Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Generic name: Celecoxib

Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis.

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Special warnings about this medication:

Concomitant use of celecoxib with aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) may increase the occurrence of stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Fluconazole (Diflucan) increases the concentration of celecoxib in the body by inhibiting the breakdown of celecoxib in the liver. Therefore, treatment with celecoxib should be initiated at the lowest recommended doses in patients who are taking fluconazole.

Celecoxib increases the concentration of lithium (Eskalith) in the blood by 17%. Therefore, lithium therapy should be closely monitored during and after therapy with celecoxib.

Persons taking the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin (COUMADIN) should have their blood tested when initiating or changing celecoxib treatment, particularly in the first few days, for any changes in the effects of the anticoagulant.

Persons who drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking NSAIDs, and this also may be true with celecoxib.

What are the possible side effects:

Although stomach and intestinal ulcers occur with the use of celecoxib, their incidence is less than with other NSAIDs in short-term studies.

Celecoxib does not interfere with the function of the blood platelets and, as a result, does not reduce clotting and lead to increased bleeding like other NSAIDs.

The most common adverse effects are headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence and insomnia. Other side effects include fainting, kidney failure, heart failure, aggravation of hypertension, chest pain, ringing in the ears, deafness, stomach and intestinal ulcers, bleeding, blurred vision, anxiety, photosensitivity, weight gain, water retention, flu-like symptoms, drowsiness and weakness.

Allergic type reactions can occur with celecoxib. Individuals who have developed allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing) from sulfonamides (e.g., Bactrim), aspirin or other NSAIDs may experience an allergic reaction to celecoxib and should not take celecoxib.

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